ATTRACTIVE LETTER OF THE LONGEST LIVED SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, CHARLES CARROLL OF CARROLLTON — VOICING HIS CONCERNS ABOUT GETTING THE TOBACCO CROP TO MARKET
CARROLL, CHARLES [OF CARROLLTON]. (1737-1832). American patriot and Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Attractive Autograph Letter Signed, “Ch. Carroll of Carrollton”. Two full pages, small quarto. Baltimore, May 2-3, 1823. Minor seal tear, paper still attached, else very fine condition. Addressed on integral address leaf to “Mr. William Gibbons”, evidently his overseer. Carroll writes:
“I presume this week has been too wet to plough and prepare the fields intended to be planted with corn.
If I am not mistaken Mr. Deane told me he had discovered a lime stone quarry, but where situated I do not remember, and wish to know its location and if he has began to raise stone from the quarry and if the stone be of good quality. This drizzling and rainy weather as it may have retarded planting corn, has no doubt been of service to the oats and clover sowed this spring and has much improved the pasture. What are the carpenters about?
By this time Harry the gardener can ascertain what kinds of fruit have been injured by the late frost and the kinds which have not been damaged. In your next letter give me his report.
May 3rd. I have received by Tom your letter of yesterday. I have credited Shelhammer with the $10 paid the 25th last. As the servants owing cash balances, which must be paid by tobacco, and those mentioned in you letter are dilatory, they require to be reminded and urged frequently to get their tobacco to market and you must address means to secure the proceeds of the sales, when their tobacco is sold, otherwise I suspect it will not be applied to what is owed of the balance due to me. I am with regard, sir, your most humble servant, Ch. Carroll of Carrollton”.
A fine letter showing the agricultural and financial concerns of the longest lived Signer of the Declaration of Independence. A superb, boldly penned example to add to a set of Signers.
$3200.00